Clinical Placements

Professional Conduct

If an instructor is in the clinical practice area with you, you should report to him/her when you arrive. You should also report to the appropriate staff before beginning your assignment, and continue to collaborate with both the instructor and appropriate staff during your experience.

If you are in an institutional setting, you must report to the appropriate RN/RPN regarding your assigned clients before you leave the clinical area for any reason (e.g., coffee, end of experience, going out of the area with a client). In community settings, the instructor (if on site) or appropriate staff must be advised of your whereabouts.

In your role as a student, you may NOT act as a witness for legal documents such as wills, surgical consents or release of hospital responsibility.

Agency Manuals and Policies

Most agencies have manuals dealing with policies and procedures specific to that particular agency. You should familiarize yourself with the manuals in the area of your clinical experience, and follow policies and procedures of the agency in which you are having experience. If in doubt, refer to your instructor.